Scholars SpotlightMeet some of the inspiring students who have participated in the Amgen Scholars Program.

"I am interested in continuing to work on the drug development process. I hope to work within the area of the structural and functional target characterization and finding its potential inhibitors. Working at the interface of the academia and industry seems the most appealing to me, as it allows for both the basic curiosity-driven research and its application."

'Initially, I never thought of doing something besides clinical practice. That changed for me when the professor of pharmacology in my medical school said during a lecture:"You can spend all your life treating hundreds of patients every day, but if you discover an effective drug you will instantly save millions."'

"Although the Amgen Scholars Program was advertised as a program for undergraduates, I never thought it would be possible for first-year students to get in. So, in my first year, I didn't really consider applying and just attended an event about the Program, which took place at LMU two weeks before the deadline to see how I could apply next year. I asked the program coordinators a couple of questions, and they convinced me to apply as a first-year student. To my big surprise, I was accepted!"

"During my participation as part of the Amgen Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge, I was based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience. Although I had no previous research experience, Dr. Hugh Robinson gave me the opportunity to do my project on electrophysiological properties of small-cell lung cancer. We found that a specific potassium voltage-gated channel appears to be related to tumor growth, making it a potential target for therapy."

"I am working on the continuous flow synthesis of Tranexamic acid, a drug that works to prevent the excess loss of blood. My ultimate career goal is to pursue a government position conducting forensic science research on trace evidence, explosives, and/or arsons."

"As of right now, I aim to graduate college, potentially get a master’s degree, and definitely pursue a Ph.D., most likely in biological engineering. While I love research, I am not sure what I want to do after getting my Ph.D. – become a postdoc and eventually a principal investigator, go into industry, or work in patent law or public policy."

"I was really interested in exploring Caltech, specifically the Lewis lab’s work on solar fuel. That particular project really drew me to apply to the Program. There’s a lot of seminars, social events and other opportunities available that make it a complete experience."

"Moving forward, I am confident that obtaining a graduate education will empower me to improve the quality of life for others. My ultimate career goal is to become a scientist who inspires others to achieve their goals."

"I learned about the Amgen Scholars Program through a program back at home called MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers). I really liked the idea that you get to do research at a really well-known institution. Coming from a small campus and a really small public university, we don’t get a lot of funding. My home university is undergoing major budget cuts in the next few years, so it’s going to be tough for both education and research."

"Ultimately, I aspire to become a principal investigator (PI) with my own lab crewed by brilliantly blossoming scientists. As of now, I am fascinated by neuroimmunology and the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases."

"I think that one of the best ways to learn is by conducting scientific research. It makes you aware that scientific knowledge is dynamic and constantly advancing, always challenging current knowledge."

"I knew working in a scientifically prestigious university like Kyoto would provide me experience, knowledge, and connections needed for my future career. I chose the Japan Amgen Scholars Program rather than others because of Japan’s unique culture, which I was always curious about and wanted to explore."